17th Edition MK Sentry Solutions

17th Edition MK Sentry Solutions

After approximately three years of consultation and drafting, Jan

of BS7671: 2008, the 17th Edition of the Institute of Electrical En
After an initial 6 month transitional period, the new regulations
the 1st July 2008.

Currently the national safety standard for electrical installation

work in the UK is British Standard 7671 – Requirements for
Electrical Installations. The IEE Wiring Regulations are a code
of practice for ensuring safe electrical installations.

Although the IEE Wiring Regulations have no statutory force

in the UK, they are referred to as a means of demonstrating
compliance with relevant legislation, such as the Electricity at
Work Act (1989) and the Building Regulations.
 nuary 2008 saw the introduction
Engineers Wiring Regulations.
s will come into full effect from

The regulations have been updated to further harmonize with International and European standards. The process of European
harmonization had already begun with the previous amendments to the 16th Edition, most notably the changes in cable
insulation colours. The 17th Edition maintains harmonization with the International Standard (IEC 60364) and the related
European Harmonization Document (HD 384) from the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation (CENELEC),
which results in:

l Renumbering

l Restructuring

l New regulations

l Removal of some existing regulations

An example of European harmonization was

the changes to cable insulation colours in the
amendments to the 16th Edition in 2004
17th Edition MK Sentry Solutions
Mobile equipment for use outdoors will require Additional Protection
The biggest change from the 16th to the 17th Edition
is increased use of Residual Current Devices. Previously,
RCDs have only been required to protect socket outlets
for use outdoors, where disconnection times can not be
achieved, and special locations. With the introduction of the
17th Edition, this is set to change.
The term ‘Additional Protection’ is used throughout the
publication. The use of RCDs are recognised as a means
of providing additional protection in the event of failure of
the provision for Basic Protection*, as an additional means
of Fault Protection*, and to protect against carelessness by
users. If an RCD is used to provide Additional Protection it
must then meet the requirements of Regulation 415.1.1.
That is, the RCD must have a rated residual operating current
not exceeding 30mA, and an operating time not exceeding
40ms at 5x the rated current.
The 17th Edition refers to various applications and
installations which require Additional Protection by the
means of the aforementioned RCD. The first of which is
found in Regulation 411.3.3, where Additional Protection is
required for:
i. Socket outlets with a rated current not exceeding 20A,
that are for use by Ordinary Persons* and intended for
general use
ii. Mobile equipment with a current rating not exceeding
32A for use outdoors
An exception to ‘i’ is permitted for:
a. Socket outlets for use under the supervision of Skilled* or
Instructed* Persons
b. A specific labelled or otherwise suitably identified socket
outlet provided for connection of a particular item of
equipment
An example of this occurrence would be if an installation was
overseen by facilities or maintenance operatives, as would
be the case in some commercial environments, but not in
domestic situations. Labelling could be interpreted as a
socket outlet marked ‘fridge’, ‘freezer’. ‘I.T. Equipment’ etc.
* This term is explained in the glossary at the end of this brochure.
Further requirements for Additional Protection next appear
in section 522 – Selection and Erection of Wiring Systems
in Relation to External Influences. 522.6.6 applies to cables
concealed in a wall or partition, at a depth of less than
50mm from the surface – as would be common practice in
most installations. Five installation methods are offered for
cables at a depth of less than 50mm.
i. The cable should incorporate an earthed metallic covering,
which acts as a circuit protective conductor (CPC)
ii. The cable should be enclosed in earthed conduit
iii. The cable should be enclosed in earthed trunking or
ducting
iv. The cable should be mechanically protected against
penetration by nails or screws
v. The cable should be installed in a safe zone*
Concealed cables requiring RCD protection
Stud partition wall
50mm
50mm
This is very similar to the 16th Edition, however the next
Regulation, 522.6.7, states that where the installation
is not intended to be under the supervision of Skilled* or
Instructed* Persons, a cable installed in accordance with
Stud partition wall
method v, and not complying with methods i, ii, iii and iv shall
be provided with Additional Protection by means of an RCD
with an operating current not exceeding 30mA, reference
Regulation 415.1.1. Typically, a domestic installation,
and some commercial installations, would use cables with
thermoplastic (PVC) insulation that are not mechanically
protected or incorporate an earthed metallic covering.
Therefore, these cables would require RCD protection.
Irrespective of the depth of the cable, Regulation 522.6.8
requires that a cable is installed in a wall or partition, if the
construction of the wall or partition incorporates metallic
parts, the installation method must comply with methods
i - iv or be protected by means of a 30mA RCD.
50mm
50mm
* This term is explained in the glossary at the end of this brochure.
Brick / block and plaster wall
17th Edition MK Sentry Solutions
All circuits within a location containing a bath or shower will require Additional Protection
Section 701 concerns locations containing a bath or shower.
It is now a requirement under 701.411.3.3 that additional
protection shall be provided for all circuits of the location
by the use of one or more RCDs, again, with an operating
current not exceeding 30mA, reference Regulation 415.1.1.
As well as items such as electric towel rails and electric
showers, this regulation also applies to lighting.
Although all of the aforementioned areas require RCD
protection, the requirements of Regulation 314.1, Division of
Installation, need to be taken into account, when designing
and installing the circuit protective arrangements. 314.1
states that every installation shall be divided into circuits as
necessary to:
a. Avoid hazards and minimise inconvenience in the event of
a fault
b. Take account of danger that may arise from the failure of
a single circuit such as a lighting circuit
c. Reduce the possibility of unwanted tripping of RCDs due
to excessive protective conductor currents produced by
equipment in normal operation
This means a single RCD cannot be used to protect the
whole installation, as in the event of a fault, power will be
lost to all circuits potentially causing hazards, inconvenience
and danger. Therefore multiple devices should be installed
to protect the outgoing circuits and should also be split
across the RCDs, alternatively the suitable installation of
RCBOs could be used to protect individual circuits. A split
arrangement would be ground floor and first floor lighting
circuits protected by separate RCDs. Another example would
be that the circuit which supplies the bathroom lighting
would be separately protected from that which supplies the
electric shower. A fault developing on the electric shower
circuit would then not affect the lighting circuit.
MK Sentry Consumer Units

Specific consumer unit configurations have been designed to provide flexible solutions in meeting
the requirements of the 17th Edition with regards to RCD protection for circuits, cables and
socket outlets. The new MK Sentry Consumer Units, available in insulated and metal versions,
allow for protected and unprotected ways with the circuits being split across up to 3 RCDs,
whilst a new labelling sheet allows for full identification of all circuits.

COMPACT SIZE
But wiring space
increased where
required most low profile and
Units can curved design
be stacked Blends
for larger unobtrusively into FLEXIBLE NEUTRAL BAR
installations the environment CONFIGURATION
Enables installer to select a wide
combination of protected and
Optional unprotected circuits
locking
colour coded
mechanism
Earth and Neutral
terminal LOCATED
AT TOP OF UNIT FOR
EASE OF WIRING
backed out
and captive ample 360º knock-outs
Combi-head for cable routing
screws Open cable entry at rear plus
Allows speedy optional rear knock-outs
installation

discreet
moulded in
logo
Opaque and No visible fixing
downward screws
opening lid
Hides unsightly
labels and devices
EASILY
removable
Flush mountable din-rail
OPTIONS Improves
For an even neater first fix
installation

Raised
din-rail Floating busbar system
For improved For maximum installation
cable routing flexibility including
acceptance of control
Fixing holes modules
Allow tripod fixing offset incomer
to cope with uneven Provides additional
surfaces. Hole locations wiring space
allow access for cordless making mains input
drills and power drivers connections easier

AMPLE wiring
space

Factory Built Assembly

Using standard MK Sentry components we can build and supply fully assembled units to an agreed design. For example have
your Consumer Units supplied with all the devices fitted, busbars cut and fitted with neutral and live cables terminated*.
For more information call the MK Technical Services Team on 01268 563720.

*minimum order quantity applies.

MK Sentry Consumer Units

Split load board with RCBOs

MK recommend the use of a split load board with RCBOs. An RCBO will provide individual over
current and earth leakage protection for an outgoing circuit. In the event of fault conditions the
supply will be disconnected only to the dedicated circuit. Standard configurations augmented
with RCBOs provide the optimum solution for additions and alterations. An MK RCBO is the
same width as an MK MCB, providing a reto-fittable solution for additions and alterations to
an existing installation.

Individual protection
for designated circuits

Example of use:
l 40A electric shower
l 6A first floor lighting
l 6A ground floor lighting

Main Switch
for isolation

RCD protecting up to
8 outgoing ways

RCBOs individually protecting

outgoing circuits
K5686S MAG 17ED
1 x 80A 30mA RCD and 1 x 63A 30mA RCD, allowing 10 outgoing ways with up to 5 circuits
per RCD. This Consumer Unit allows for 2 unprotected, or 2 RCBO ways.

10 outgoing ways

5 + 5 split as
standard

Allows for 2
unprotected, or 2
RCBO ways

Circuits divided across

2 RCDs

Dimensions
Width height depth
378mm 230mm 110mm
MK Sentry Consumer Units

Unprotected Ways
The example shown is K5686s MAG 17ED with unprotected ways. Depending on the position of
the U link, multiple unprotected ways are possible on the K5681S, K5683S and the K5684S.

All 17th Edition

Consumer Units
have the facility to
provide unprotected
ways

Examples where this configuration would be useful may be a

16A radial circuit to a dedicated socket outlet marked fridge or
freezer, or circuits supplying smoke alarms or burglar alarms.
If these were unprotected circuits an installation method
complying with 522.6.6, methods i, ii, iii, and iv would need to
be undertaken (as explained earlier in this brochure).

Both BS 5839-6:2004 and Part B of the Building Regulations

for England & Wales have requirements of power supplies
for dedicated circuits for smoke alarms. These should not be
connected to RCDs unless electrical safety dictates, and then
should not be connected to a device that protects socket
outlets. With the changes in the 17th Edition RCD protection
would be required if the cables were unprotected and at a
depth of less than 50mm, in this instance an RCBO would be
the ideal solution.

Dimensions
Width height depth
378mm 230mm 110mm
K5666S MAG 17ED
2 x 63A 30mA RCDs, allowing 10 outgoing ways with up to 5 circuits per RCD. This Consumer
Unit allows for 2 unprotected, or 2 RCBO ways.

10 outgoing ways

5 + 5 split as
standard

Allows for 2
unprotected, or 2
RCBO ways

Circuits divided across

2 RCDs

Dimensions
Width height depth
378mm 230mm 110mm
MK Sentry Consumer Units

K5681S MAG 17ED

1 x 80A 30mA RCD, 1 x 63A 30mA RCDs, allowing 15 outgoing ways. Multiple protected and
unprotected configurations are possible.

15 outgoing ways

Multiple protected
and unprotected
configurations

Circuits divided across 2 RCDs

Dimensions
Width height depth
468mm 230mm 110mm
K5683S MAG 17ED
2 x 63A 30mA RCDs, allowing 15 outgoing ways. Multiple protected and unprotected
configurations are possible.

15 outgoing ways

Multiple protected
and unprotected
configurations

Circuits divided across 2 RCDs

Dimensions
Width height depth
468mm 230mm 110mm
MK Sentry Consumer Units

K5684S MAG 17ED

2 x 63A 30mA RCDs, 1 x 40A 30mA RCD, allowing 13 outgoing ways with 5 circuits, 5 circuits
and 3 circuits split as standard. Unprotected ways are possible with this Consumer Unit.

15 outgoing ways

5 + 5 + 3 split as
standard

Unprotected ways
possible

Circuits divided across

3 RCDs

Dimensions
Width height depth
468mm 230mm 110mm
MK Sentry MCBs, RCBOs & RCDs

As shown, within the MK Sentry range a number of split load configurations are available
which meet the requirements of the 17th Edition. An essential element of the regulations is
the minimised hazard and inconvenience, and as such more than one RCD or RCBO per board
will be required. The following overview shows the total number of ways available with each
board, and the maximum number of circuits for each RCD.

For maximum flexibility, unpopulated boards can also be used in conjunction with MK RCDs,
RCBOs, MCBs and Switch Disconnectors to provide 17th Edition solutions.

17th Edition – MK Sentry split load Consumer Unit Configuration

Insulated Board List No. Metal Board List No. Description Total Ways Unprotected RCD1 RCD2 RCD3
K5666S MAG 17ED K5566S MAG 17ED 10 WAY 100A SWITCH, 10 2 5 5 N/A
2 X 63A 30mA RCD
K5686S MAG 17ED K5586S MAG 17ED 10 WAY 100A SWITCH, 80A 10 2 5 5 N/A
30mA & 63A 30mA RCD
K5681S MAG 17ED K5581S MAG 17ED 15 WAY 100A SWITCH, 80A 15 UP TO 9 UP TO 11 UP TO 8 N/A
30mA & 63A 30mA RCD
K5683S MAG 17ED K5583S MAG 17ED 15 WAY 100A SWITCH, 15 UP TO 9 UP TO 11 UP TO 8 N/A
2 X 63A 30mA RCD
K5684S MAG 17ED K5584S MAG 17ED 13 WAY 100A SWITCH, 2 X 13 2 5 5 3
63A 30mA & 40A 30mA RCD
For the full range of MK Sentry Consumer Units refer to the main MK Catalogue
Note: Installing Unprotected Ways subtracts from the available RCD Protected Ways

17TH EDITION – MK SENTRY CONSUMER UNITS

Insulated METAL SURFACE METAL FLUSH DESCRIPTION TOTAL
Board List No. MOUNTED MOUNTED BOARD WAYS
BOARD List No. LIST NO.
K5612S K5512S K6512S ACCEPTS 12 ONE MODULE PRODUCTS (2 INTEGRAL NEUTRAL BARS FITTED WITH LINK) 12
K5616S K5516S K6516S ACCEPTS 16 ONE MODULE PRODUCTS (3 INTEGRAL NEUTRAL BARS - LINKS SUPPLIED) 16
K5621S K5521S K6521S ACCEPTS 21 ONE MODULE PRODUCTS (4 INTEGRAL NEUTRAL BARS – LINKS SUPPLIED) 21
A Split Load Consumer Unit Cable Kit (K5564S) will be required for assembling a Switch and twin RCD arrangement
For the full range of MK Sentry Consumer Units refer to the main MK Catalogue
MK Sentry MCBs, RCBOs & RCDs

MK Sentry MCBs
MK Sentry MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers) are of the thermo-magnetic, current limiting type and are
available with either Type B or Type C operating characteristics. For the purpose of this brochure we have
only listed the Type B devices, the full range can be found in the MK Catalogue.

The operating dolly may be locked in either the ON or OFF position without affecting the ability of the
trip mechanism to operate. The contacts themselves are manufactured from carefully chosen materials,
selected specifically for their low electrical resistance and low propensity to weld under fault conditions.

When the green indicator is visible, a contact gap of 4mm has been achieved, therefore Sentry MCBs may
be used as a single pole isolating switch where appropriate. The Sentry MCB has a mid-trip fault indicator.
If there is a short circuit or current overload, the dolly moves to the mid-position to indicate a fault.

MK Sentry MCBs
List No. Description Current Rating
5903s MCB Single Pole Type B 3A
5906s MCB Single Pole Type B 6A
5910s MCB Single Pole Type B 10A
5916s MCB Single Pole Type B 16A
5920s MCB Single Pole Type B 20A
5932s MCB Single Pole Type B 32A
5940s MCB Single Pole Type B 40A
5945s MCB Single Pole Type B 45A
5950s MCB Single Pole Type B 50A
For the full range of MK Sentry MCBs refer to the main MK Catalogue.

MK Sentry RCBOs
MK Sentry RCBOs (Residual Current Breakers with Overcurrent Protection) are of the solid neutral type,
single pole, in one module format. The RCBOs are a combination of a Type B MCB and a 30mA RCD. This
enables both overcurrent protection and earth fault current protection to be provided by a single unit.

This combination allows earth fault protection to be restricted to a single circuit, thus ensuring that only
the circuit with the fault is interrupted.

The operating dolly on all MK Sentry RCBOs may be locked in either the ON or OFF position without
affecting the ability of the trip mechanism to operate.

MK Sentry RCBOs
List No. Description Current Rating tripping current
6932s RCBO WITH SOLID NEUTRAL TYPE B 6A 30mA
6933s RCBO WITH SOLID NEUTRAL TYPE B 10A 30mA
6934s RCBO WITH SOLID NEUTRAL TYPE B 16A 30mA
6935s RCBO WITH SOLID NEUTRAL TYPE B 20A 30mA
6936s RCBO WITH SOLID NEUTRAL TYPE B 32A 30mA
6937s RCBO WITH SOLID NEUTRAL TYPE B 40A 30mA
6938s RCBO WITH SOLID NEUTRAL TYPE B 45A 30mA
6939s RCBO WITH SOLID NEUTRAL TYPE B 50A 30mA
For the full range of MK Sentry RCBOs refer to the main MK Catalogue.
MK Sentry MCBs, RCBOs & RCDs

MK Sentry RCDs
The MK Sentry range of RCDs (Residual Current Devices) offer a comprehensive
selection of devices designed to meet most residential, commercial and light
industrial requirements. The range includes two and four pole, a.c., d.c. fault
current sensitive and time delayed models, and a selection of current ratings from
16A to 100A, in a variety of tripping sensitivities. For the purpose of this brochure
we have only listed the 30mA 230V devices, the full range can be found in the MK
Catalogue.

When in the OFF position a contact gap of 4mm is present, enabling Sentry RCDs
to be used as isolating switches where appropriate. When the green indicator is
visible, a contact gap of 4mm has been achieved.

The operating dolly may be locked in either the ON or the OFF position without
affecting the ability of the trip mechanism to operate, ie the RCD is ‘trip-free’. It is
not possible to hold the contacts closed when a fault condition exists.

All MK Sentry RCDs incorporate a filtering device to provide protection against

transient surges in the supply to the unit, thus reducing the occurrence of
unwanted tripping.

MK Sentry RCDs with 30mA Tripping Current

List No. Description Current Rating tripping current
5716s RCD DOUBLE POLE 230V TWO MODULE 16A 30mA
6730s RCD DOUBLE POLE 230V TWO MODULE 32A 30mA
5740s RCD DOUBLE POLE 230V TWO MODULE 40A 30mA
5760s RCD DOUBLE POLE 230V TWO MODULE 63A 30mA
5780s RCD DOUBLE POLE 230V TWO MODULE 80A 30mA
7700s RCD DOUBLE POLE 230V TWO MODULE 100A 30mA
6716s RCD PULSATING D.C. FAULT CURRENT SENSITIVE DOUBLE POLE 230V TWO MODULE 16A 30mA
6630s RCD PULSATING D.C. FAULT CURRENT SENSITIVE DOUBLE POLE 230V TWO MODULE 32A 30mA
5640s RCD PULSATING D.C. FAULT CURRENT SENSITIVE DOUBLE POLE 230V TWO MODULE 40A 30mA
5660s RCD PULSATING D.C. FAULT CURRENT SENSITIVE DOUBLE POLE 230V TWO MODULE 63A 30mA
For the full range of MK Sentry RCDs refer to the main MK Catalogue.
Glossary of terms

To interpret the new regulations, it is necessary to understand the terminology used. Electrical
Contractors should familiarise themselves with the following terms. A complete glossary is published
at the end of the 17th Edition document, here we have highlighted those which are particularly
relevant to the content of this brochure.

Competent Person Safe Zone

An individual who posses sufficient technical knowledge and
experience for the nature of the electrical work undertaken and
is able at all times to prevent danger, and where appropriate,
injury to themselves or others.
Ordinary Person
An individual who is neither skilled or instructed, for example a
home owner or building user.
Skilled Person
An individual with technical knowledge or experience enabling
him/her to avoid dangers which may occur when using electricity,
for example a qualified electrician.
Regulation 522.6.6 refers to a cable installed in a wall or partition
at a depth of less than 50mm from the surface. Method (v)
refers to the Safe Zone which is the area within 150mm from
the top of the wall or partition, or within 150mm of an angle
formed by two adjoining walls or partitions. Where the cable is
connected to a point, accessory or switchgear on any surface of
the wall or partition, the cable may be installed in a zone either
horizontally or vertically, to the point, accessory or switchgear.
Where the location of the accessory, point or switchgear can be
determined from the reverse side, a zone formed on one side
of a wall if 100mm thickness or less, or partition of 100mm
thickness or less, extends to the reverse side.

Instructed Person
An individual who has been adequately advised or supervised
to enable him/her to avoid the danger which may occur when
using electricity.

Basic Protection
Protection against electric shock under fault-free conditions.
Note: For low voltage installations, systems and equipment, basic
protection generally corresponds to protection against direct
contact, that is ‘contact of persons or livestock with live parts’.

Fault Protection
Protection against electric shock under single-fault conditions.
Note: For low voltage installations, systems and equipment,
fault protection generally corresponds to protection against
indirect contact, mainly with regard to failure of basic insulation.
Indirect contact is ‘contact of persons or livestock with
exposed-conductive-parts which have become live under fault
conditions’.
 17th Edition Find out more

To find out more about the 17th Edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations, and the MK product solutions
including the MK Sentry range of Consumer Units, you can attend the MK CPD ‘Socket in a Shower
– What’s that all about’, or listen to the MK Podcast, produced in association with the NICEIC and
Professional Electrician & Installer Magazine.

Socket in a Shower –
This CPD is aimed at Electrical Contractors, Specifiers What’s that all about?
and Consultants, and is a review of the main changes to Continuing Professional Development
through the MK CPD Technical Seminar Programme
BS 7671:2008 – the 17th Edition of the Wiring Regulations and
the impact upon the electrical industry.
BRAND EXTERNAL
TITLE DESCRIPTION
REPRESENTED APPROVAL

For more information on this CPD and to register your interest Socket in a
Shower – What’s
MK A review of the main changes to BS 7671:2008 – 17th
Edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations and the impact upon
Construction CPD
Service
that all about? the electrical world.

please visit www.switchonmk.com...

Duration:
1 hour
Who should attend:
Electrical Contractors, Specifiers & Consultants
January 2008 will see the publication of BS 7671, Requirements for Electrical
Installations, 17th Edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations. This seminar takes a
look at the main changes from the 16th to the 17th Edition, the reasons why
and their impact.

CONTENT
L Reasons for change
L Structure
L Numbering
L Major changes chronologically for Parts 1-7 including;
L Definitions
L Protection against electric shock
L Cables in walls

MK Electric has joined forces with the NICEIC and Professional L Bath & shower rooms

Electrician & Installer Magazine to produce a ground-breaking

initiative, the Electrical Industry’s first Podcast. Switch On MK MK CPD Technical Seminar Programme
Marketing Department The Arnold Centre Paycocke Road Basildon Essex S S14 3 E A United Kingdom

is an easy-listen, readily digestible podcast ‘radio show’ that Te l +4 4 (0)126 8 5630 0 0 We bsite w w w.mkele c tric.co.uk / w w w.ackermann.co.uk E- mail mk .cp d@hone y we ll.com

Fa x +4 4 (0)126 8 5634 83 Re giste r e d O f fice: Hone y we ll Hous e, A rlington Busine s s Park , Brack ne ll, B erk shire, RG12 1EB Re giste r e d No. 189291

provides an excellent overview of the 17th Edition. It can be

heard over the Internet – at www.switchonmk.com – where
you can also download it to your computer or MP3 player. It can
also be found in the free, educational area of iTunes.

Led by technical journalist and broadcaster Roger Bisby, it

features Gary Gundry, Senior Engineer, and Paul Lawrence, Head
of Business, with the NICEIC; Simon Clarke, Training Manager of
MK Electric and Professional Electrician & Installer Magazine
Editor, Jonathan Cole.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information in this brochure is correct, British Standards and the IEE Wiring Regulations may be subject to change. This MK Electric brochure to 17th
Edition - MK Sentry Solutions is not a substitute to the ‘Requirements for Electrical Installations – IEE Wiring Regulations Seventeenth Edition’.
MK Electric
T h e A r n o l d C e n t r e Pa y c o c k e R o a d B a s i l d o n E s s e x S S 1 4 3 E A U n i t e d K i n g d o m Technical Helpline Tel 01268 563720

Customer Service Tel 01268 563404 Literature Helpline Tel 0870 240 3385 E-mail mkorderenquiries@honeywell.com

Customer Service Fax 01268 563405 Literature Helpline Fax 0870 240 3386 Website www.mkelectric.co.uk

Registered Office : Honeywell House Arlington Business Park Bracknell Berkshire RG12 1EB Registered No. 189291 Ref: MK242

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